Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! 21st – 25th February 2012, King’s Theatre, Glasgow
By Jon Cuthbertson
Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures are famous for creating original ballets (Edward Scissorhands, Play Without Words and CarMan) and also for putting their twist on classic ballets (an all male corps in Swan Lake and La Sylphide updated to a Scottish nightclub being two prime examples). This production of Nutcracker is no exception, with the story going from bleak orphanage to “SweetieLand” where we are delighted by Marshmallows, Gobstoppers and Liquorice Allsorts amongst other treats.
In stark contrast to the usual bright and warm colours of an opulent Victorian Christmas, we instead open in a stark Orphanage with the only splash of colour being torn paper hats which the children are allowed to wear for the short time that visitors are present. The individual characters of the orphans prove that not only do Matthew Bourne’s company have to be talented dancers, but they also have to be expressive actors too. This was evident in the performance of Dominic North in the dual role of Fritz and Prince Bon-Bon who had excellent facial expressions alongside wonderful extensions through his arms and legs.
Although the production is at times over the top and highly camp, the sweetness (no pun intended) and sadness portrayed by Hannah Vassallo as Clara gives a real sense of emotion to the piece. Ashley Shaw, although playing the devious dual roles of Sugar and Princess Sugar, has grace and elegance in abundance and makes the most of the interesting take on the “sugar plum fairy” routine.
Rounding out the principal performers is Edwin Ray as the titular Nutcracker. Starting off life as rather “howdy doody” style ventriloquist dummy, his transformation into the handsome, bare-chested romantic lead showed a great skill in contrasting styles.
Although the production has lots of unique concepts, and has definitely stood the test of time (it is hard to believe that this is the production’s 20th Anniversary tour), there are some sections where it appeared to run out of steam. The originality of the reveal of a huge tiered wedding cake, with dancers atop a la Busby Berkley, falls slightly flat when the dance moves that follow cannot match either those that have gone before, or indeed the style it imitates. However this was only a short 5 minute section in a thoroughly entertaining production full of fantastic and unique choreography. The only real negative to this production is the lack of a live orchestra to fully bring Tchaikovsky’s score to life however the action on stage does well in bringing new breath to a classic score.
Listings
Tue 21 – Sat 25 Feb
Tue – Sat eves 7.30pm
Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm
Tickets: £16 – £36
Box Office 0844 871 7648 (Bkg fee)
www.atgtickets.com/glasgow (bkg fee)
Dorian Gray (Theatre Royal, Glasgow 29 Sep - 3 Oct 2009)
By Laura PearsonAll aspects of Oscar Wilde's story of Dorian Gray are beautifully captured by Matthew Bourne's company.
The emotions and moral intricacies of this gothic fable are performed in a visually exciting, and captivating way; and Terry Davies' score greatly adds to this and portrays the emotions. Gray is a hedonistic and narcissistic young man who makes a pact with the Devil to never age and to become immortal. He lives a immoral and excessive life until he finally gets bored with it all. He falls in love; but has a terrible secret to hide. Whilst his physical beauty shows nothing of his lifestyle or Faustian pact; his 'painting' hidden in the attic bears the scars of every one of his debauched deeds- creating a hideous image of who he really is. Except, in this production, Bourne has chosen to physicalise this painting in the form of a doppelganger of Gray- a decision which highlights the themes of duplicity in Gray's novel, and makes a much more powerful image for the audience; which makes Gray's fears and need to hide the truth even more believable.
The dancer's capture this often chilling tale with such ease, and it is truly gripping to watch. A modern design puts Wilde's story firmly in the 21st century; showing how it truly is a universal tale; and fits perfectly with our current image-obsessed world. The dancer's costumes firmly capture this modern and edgy world; where beauty and image are everything. The stark lighting of Paule Constable also capture's the black and white-ness of this fashion society. The dance style is alluring and seductive; and Richard Winsor brilliantly portrays Dorian with real passion and emotion.
It is clear that Bourne has put a great deal of thought into his choreography and devising of the
production; and it pays off. Both avid fans of Wilde's work, and new visitors to the tale will thouroughly enjoy this production and the twists that Bourne has added- his modern interpretation; and bringing the homosexual subtexts of the novel to the forefront, for example.
A most enjoyable and thought provoking night out. It's a must for everyone.
LISTINGS
Dorian Gray
Wed 30 Sep – Sat 3 Oct
Wed – Sat eves 7.30pm
Tickets: £19 - £35
Box Office 0844 871 7647 (Bkg fee)
www.ambassadortickets.com/glasgow (Bkg fee)
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